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March 2010 journey to Thailand in search of great new gear for SRP

February 2010 saw me jumping on a plane and heading over to Thailand to spend some time with the beautiful people working in the Good Shepherd Sisters projects in Nongkhai. This was my second trip to visit the Sisters and the villagers working in the Hands of Hope, Regina and Isan Pottery projects, and I was welcomed just as warmly!
 
 
The town of Nongkhai lies to the north east of  Thailand, on the sleepy Mekong which forms the  border with Laos. This region is one of the driest in Thailand, and as aresult income through agriculture can be limited for the people of this region. Both times I have visited Nongkhai it has been in the dry season and crops are clearly not plentiful. This is one reason among many, which make income generating projects like the ones the Sisters are engaged in so vitally important.
 
 
Antonia & friends at Hands of Hope

One of the highlights of my trip was spending a few days simply working alongside the people at the Hands of Hope center for villagers living with HIV/Aids. The welcome I received every time I arrived at the center was truly humbling. I have such admiration for their dedication to their work, and to each other. Whenever anyone needed support, a helping hand, a gentle reminder, it was always delivered with a sense of calm compassion. They are truly a supportive community, facing their challenges together. Each lunch time we all sat together in the pagoda to sing a song of gratitude before tucking in. For many of the people this nutritious meal alone has made a great impact on their health. The joyous sounds of the little ones playing outside were a constant source of pleasure. These are children of the workers, born without HIV as a result of the medication their parents were able to access through the project. I must also express my gratitude to my main guide during my stay - Antonia, who among other things overseas the Hands of Hope project with seemingly endless compassion and patience!

 
 
During my time in Nongkhai I worked with the very talented designers in Hands of Hope, Isan Pottery & Jewellery and the Regina centers to produce a lovely new range of gear for SRP.Keep your eye on the New section of the store for more details!

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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